Check for makeup expiration dates, says one doctor

(KYMA, KECY/CNN) - As more and more COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, one doctor recommends checking the expiration date of old makeup before going out.

Many didn't have to wear makeup when working from home, though that means cosmetics may not have been touched in months.

"Expiration dates are really important to keep in mind when it comes to makeup," explains dermatologist Dr. Susan Massick.

She says there may be an expiration date on makeup or a 'period after opening' stamp.

"Often times it'll be a logo with an open jar with a number after it which means, for example, 6M would be six months after opening would be an appropriate expiration," continued Dr. Massick.

Eye makeup should be replaced after three months while pencil cosmetics can be kept around for about a year and lipsticks can stay for two years at most.

"The downsides to these kids of contamination, which are generally things like skin infections, skin irritation, certainly eye infections, conjunctivitis, sties, those things an all arise from contaminated or expired makeup," said Dr. Massick.